There's a lot to cover for Step 1, STEP 2, but the key is not just memorization. I like to focus on recognizing patterns. The exam is about understanding the concepts that really matter and being able to apply them, rather than cramming endless facts.

Think of it like detective work: each disease or mechanism leaves behind a unique set of "clues." The real trick to mastering Step 1 is learning to spot those unique features and using them to tell one condition apart from another.

When you approach it this way, Step 1 becomes less about rote memory and more about problem-solving. And once you start seeing the patterns, it actually becomes funyou feel like you're solving medical mysteries one question at a time.